Where Asbestos Is Found
Common in Australian homes built before 1990:
- Fibro sheeting (walls, ceilings, eaves)
- Roof sheeting
- Floor tiles (vinyl)
- Insulation
- Pipe lagging
- Fencing
- Backing boards
Identifying Asbestos
You cannot tell by looking. If your home was built before 1990:
- Assume materials may contain asbestos until tested
- Get professional testing before renovating
- Don't drill, cut, or disturb suspicious materials
Safe Handling
- Bonded asbestos (fibro): Can be removed by homeowners in small quantities (under 10m²) in some states with proper precautions
- Friable asbestos: Must be removed by licensed removalist
- Any quantity over 10m²: Requires licensed removalist
Removal Costs
- Small areas (eaves, sheeting): $1,000-3,000
- Roof replacement: $10,000-25,000
- Full house removal: $15,000-50,000+
Legal Requirements
- Testing before demolition/renovation
- Licensed removal for certain quantities
- Proper disposal at licensed facilities
- Air monitoring for friable asbestos removal